The Dioscuri Athenian red-figure kylix. 5th BCE Collection of the Archaeological Museum of Fer
The Dioscuri Athenian red-figure kylix. 5th BCE Collection of the Archaeological Museum of Ferrara. (I used a filter to color this black-and-white image and I’m happy with the results!) Today, July 15, is sacred to Jupiter, and also marks the Transvectio equitum in Rome, the annual parade of the Roman cavalry in thanksgiving for the aid received from Castor and Pollux (Greek: Polydeukes) at the battle of Lake Regillus in 496 BCE. Just before the battle, the Dioscuri appeared as young men on white horses before the Roman army and led them to victory over the opposing Latins. Immediately after the battle, the two horsemen appeared in Rome to announce the victory and watered their horses at the spring of Jutuna in the Forum. A temple was dedicated to them at that place in 495 BCE.Castor and Polydeukes are the twins sons of Leda of Sparta, the older brothers of Leda’s twin daughters Helen and Clytemnestra. Castor was the son of Tyndareus, king of Sparta, but Polydeukes was the son of Zeus. Known as the Dioscuri (Zeus’ sons), they were admired for their loyalty to one another, their skill in battle, and for their bravery. They were both excellent horsemen, and Polydeukes was famed as a boxer. When Helen was abducted by Theseus, they led a small Spartan force to Athens, captured the city, and rescued their sister. They also took Theseus’ mother captive and made her Helen’s servant until Theseus paid ransom for her release. Castor and Polydeukes participated in the hunt for the Calydonian Boar and sailed with Jason as Argonauts on the quest for the Golden Fleece.They were inseparable companions in life and continue to be so after death as well. When Castor died, Polydeukes pleaded with Zeus to allow Castor to share his immortality. Zeus agreed, so the half-brothers alternate days among the dead in the Underworld and living on Olympus among the gods. They are represented in astronomy and astrology by the constellation Gemini.The cult of the Dioscuri spread across Greece to Asia Minor and Italy. They have been revered as protectors of travelers, especially horsemen and mariners, and honored with temples and games. -- source link
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